Original Gerber baby, Ann Turner Cook, turns 90

According to Gerber, a contest was held in 1928 to find a face to represent a baby food advertising campaign. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith, who was Cook's neighbor, entered a sketch she created, described as a "simple charcoal sketch of a tousle-haired, bright-eyed cherub of a baby with endearing pursed lips."

Judges fell in love with the baby face in Smith's sketch and when they chose it as the winner, they insisted it remain a sketch. That baby sketch of Cook soon became the face that launched the Gerber brand and is now recognized all over the world!

Cook was born on November 20, 1926. She is an American mystery novelist and retired English teacher in Tampa.

Gerber said on Facebook Sunday Cook celebrated her milestone birthday with her four children and their spouses.